Favorite Christmas Present

One of my favorite presents that I received for Christmas this year is my new monogrammed lunch box! 

I know it sounds stupid, but last semester when I was student teaching, I had to bring my lunch in a plastic grocery bag -- so this is a big improvement! I absolutely love it and can't wait to use it everyday! 

I came across this lunch box on Etsy at rougeandco.  They have lots of adorable prints, colors, and fonts to choose from! Would make a great gift for students or teachers you might know :) 

DIY Jewelry Board

I had seen several DIY Jewelry Boards on Pinterest and decided that Christmas would be a wonderful time to try to make one of these creative little things...

The supplies you will need for this project include the following:

- empty frame (found one at Hobby Lobby for $29.99 but used a 40% off coupon so it was cheaper)

- roll of cork board (can be found at any craft store or Hobby Lobby)

- poster board the same size as your frame (or foam board)

- spray adhesive 

- fabric (make sure it is 1 in. longer on all sides than the frame you use)

- stapler 

- push pins

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Pick out a frame that you like -- the one I used is a 16 x 20 frame and is a perfect size (Hobby Lobby has a great selection to choose from)

2. Buy all other supplies

3. Cut your poster board (or foam board) the same size as your frame

4. Cut your cork board the same size as your frame

5. Spray poster board with adhesive and immediately place cork board on top of it

6. Let dry for 5-10 minutes

7. Stretch fabric over the board and staple it on the back

8. Place fabric covered board inside frame (should fit perfectly if cut correctly)

9. Place push pins on board and hang your jewelry! And TA-DA you have a wonderful way to display necklaces, bracelets, and earrings! :) 

Here is my first attempt at making a jewelry board. I made it for a Christmas present, but will definitely be making my own after the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. Will be sure to post those pics, too! :) 

Early Christmas Shopping!

So I was looking at Pinterest today (shocker) and decided to create a pinboard titled "My Christmas List." After I had spent a good deal of time procrastinating from my homework and pinning several things to this board, I realized I needed to start thinking about what I was going to get everyone for Christmas.  That was when I came across this darling website called "Haymarket Designs."  They have tons of adorable monogrammed products including cell phone cases, coasters, coozies, picture frames, plates...you get the idea. And all of their products have beautiful designs and patterns! While I was browsing this wonderful website I came across this little guy...

...It's a wine tote! I had never even heard of such a thing before.  But since my mom is one of the biggest wine lovers I know, I instantly knew that this would be a PERFECT Christmas gift for her. I enjoyed customizing it- picking out the pattern, colors, and what it would say.  I decided to put "tis the season to drink wine" on it (I thought that was appropriate). To check out all of their amazing products, go to their website at: http://www.haymarketdesigns.com/